Commanding English side Overwhelm South Africa in Global Tournament Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Spinner 3-7

English team 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)

The English won by 10 wickets

England dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a poor display which saw South Africa bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, ending on 40 and 21.

Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under new leadership.

They delivered with a statement win, overwhelming the opposition which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner leading the way, and others joined in.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but the spinner quickly regained control as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

Smith was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by bowling the in-form Brits and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when another batter was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be boosted irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder shared the new ball, implying the team were realizing an error with their team choice.

The opening pair reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the pair.

She was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

With India and Australia as top contenders, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task but the conditions suited me and I am proud I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a unit."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."

"She stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

South Africa captain Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to start the tournament."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."